Mary Louise Starker Gory

She was born Sept. 29, 1918 to Carl and Louise (Hammond) Starker in Jennings Lodge, Ore.

Mary's zest for life was contagious as she embraced each moment with love, kindness and lots of humor. For many years she was a regular member of a writer's group and loved to write of her travels far away and of her life on the river in Otis where she and her family lived since 1956. She left countless journals with tales of travel, outings with friends, humorous fiction and non-fiction stories of wildlife on the river and estuary and stories involving creative fictional characters such as the mystery-solving chipmunks; the cookie thief squirrel and generous little mice. Her love of children was evident in the delightful stories she told and wrote for them. Several of her stories were published in local papers and some magazines; all will be treasured for generations to come.

Mary also loved to paint. As a self-taught painter she portrayed on canvas in oil and watercolor the beauty that surrounded her life on the Oregon coast. Along with her paintings and her stories, Mary loved sharing stories of her life in Otis, as a wife and mother of two and a local businesswoman. Some may remember Mary as owner and operator of the "Pronto Pup" stand in Otis for 11 years. She also loved to tell people at one time she was the "self-appointed mayor" of Otis.

Mary's ever present positive attitude ensured there was nothing she couldn't do. Anyone that knew her was instantly endeared to her infectious smile, unconditional caring and delightful sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddy R. Gory.

She is survived by her children, Thomas and Edward (Ted) Gory; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

One of Mary's favorite days to celebrate was Groundhog Day when she would invite friends to her home for an indoor winter picnic. In honor of that joyful event a celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. on Groundhog Day, Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Otis Fire Hall where her husband Eddy was a fire department volunteer for many years. It is located at 384 Old Scenic Highway 101 in Otis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people write a story to share of a delightful experience they had with Mary and live their lives doing what they love, be generous and grateful, be loving and happy and most of all, don't forget to laugh.